Implementation of a ban on the U.N. Palestinian relief agency UNRWA in Israel - due to start on Thursday - will be disastrous, the UNRWA chief told the Security Council on Tuesday, as the United States accused it of being "irresponsible and dangerous.

The United States has backed Israel's decision to ban and break off contact with the UN's Palestinian relief agency, which has complained of a "relentless assault" on its work.

Israel, backed by Washington, will cease contact with the UN's Palestinian humanitarian relief agency UNRWA and any other body acting on its behalf, its UN envoy said Tuesday, drawing condemnation from aid groups.

We very much hope this decision will be withdrawn,' UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler says on Israel's looming ban on the agency, set to take effect Thursday - Anadolu Ajansı

Israel demands UNRWA halt operations in Jerusalem by January 30, citing Hamas ties and security risks. The move follows Knesset legislation severing ties with the agency.

The United Nation's Palestinian refugee agency said on Sunday it had been ordered by Israel to vacate premises and cease all of its operations in occupied East Jerusalem by Thursday.

Nothing we’ve heard so far from the Israeli state gives confidence that the agreement will last past the first phase.

Nearly all Security Council members express solidarity, support for UN agency for Palestinian refugees - Anadolu Ajansı

Israel's impending ban on the U.N. agency critical for supporting Palestinians 'will undermine' the cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip, the head of

America also backed Israel’s decision to sever ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says President Donald Trump has invited him to visit the White House on Feb. 4. This will make Netanyahu the first foreign leader to visit Washington in Trump’s second term.